Perceptions of Tourism Impacts and Sustainability Concept: Insights from Kyrgyzstan

Perceptions

of Tourism Impacts and Sustainability

Concept: Insights from Kyrgyzstan

Jyldyz Djakypbay Kyzy

Submitted to the

Institute of Graduate Studies and Research

in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of

Master of Science

in

Tourism Management

Eastern Mediterranean University

February 2017

Approval of the Institute of Graduate Studies and Research

Prof. Dr. Mustafa Tümer Director

I certify that this thesis satisfies the requirements as a thesis for the degree of Master of Science in Tourism Management.

Prof. Dr. Hasan Kɪlɪç Dean, Faculty of Tourism

We certify that we have read this thesis and that in our opinion it is fully adequate in scope and quality as a thesis for the degree of Master of Science in Tourism Management.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali Öztüren Supervisor

Examining Committee 1. Prof. Dr. Hasan Kɪlɪç

2. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali Öztüren

iii

ABSTRACT

Tourism development is mainly dependent upon socio-cultural, economic and environmental factors. This study explores the perceptions of environmental, socio-cultural and economic impacts of tourism development by the representatives of government officials, the academicians and the private sectors in Kyrgyzstan. In this scope, all three dimensions (economic, socio-cultural and environmental) need to be identified whether it has negative impacts such as cost of living, environmental degradation, pollution or imitation of foreign behaviors and culture or the positive impacts such as job creation, increased willingness to understand the different cultures and protection of nature and wildlife. Thus, if it is not planned, managed, or monitored competently, the outcome could bring fundamental consequences and it will not only hinder the further development of tourism but also might damage the residents‘ lifestyle.

In order to achieve the aims and objectives of the thesis, a qualitative approach was used by applying a semi-structured interview for the data collection process. The research has revealed that current tourism development in Kyrgyzstan has both negative and positive impacts on economy, culture, and environment. Furthermore, in the light of the collected data, the main tourism development stimulators were identified such as the promotion of cultural identity and pride, enhancement of environmental quality and new perspectives to improve the quality of life.

iv

development and sustainability recognizes the importance of the participation of all stakeholders in tourism development. Moreover, the residents are identified as the imperative stakeholders in tourism planning and development. Therefore, it is expected to be aware that sustainable tourism development recognizes and emphases that local residents are important stakeholders. The subject of sustainability has taken attention of many researchers in the recent years, however, these investigations were taken extensively in some developed countries rather than developing countries. Therefore, in addition, the study attempts to explore the awareness of sustainability concept of the experts and practitioners in Kyrgyzstan. The results showed that there is a lack of understanding of the concept particularly among the government officials and the private sector representatives. Moreover, the sustainability concept seems to remain invisible in the practice despite the fact that respondents had some awareness of the subject.

v

ӦZ

Turizmin gelişimi sosyo-kültürel, ekonomik ve çevresel faktörlere bağlıdır. Bu çalışma, Kırgızistan‘daki kamu kurumlarının temsilcileri, akademisyenler ve özel sektör temsilcileri tarafından algılanan turizm gelişiminin çevresel, sosyo-kültürel ve ekonomik etkilerini incelemektedir. Bu kapsamda, turizm gelişiminin hayat pahalılığı, çevresel bozulma, kirlilik, yabancı davranış ve kültürlerin taklidi gibi negatif etkilere mi, yoksa iş alanları yaratma, farklı kültürleri anlama ve doğa ile yabani yaşamın korunmasını sağlamaya yönelik gönüllülük esasını artıracak pozitif etkilere yol açıp açmadığını belirlemek amacıyla tüm bu üç faktörün tanımlanması gerekir. Bu doğrultuda, eğer yetkin bir şekilde planlanmaz, yönetilmez ve takip edilmezse, ilgili gelişmelerin sonuçları geri dönülmesi mümkün olmayan neticeleri beraberinde getirecektir. Bu durum sadece turizmin gelişmesine engel olmayacak aynı zamanda orada yaşayan sakinlerin yaşam biçimlerine de zarar verebilecektir.

Tezin amaç ve hedeflerini gerçekleştirmek amacıyla veri toplanması sürecince nitel bir yaklaşım kullanılarak yarı yapılandırılmış mülakatlar yapılmıştır. Araştırma, Kırgızistan'daki mevcut turizm gelişiminin ekonomi, kültür ve çevre üzerinde hem olumsuz hem de olumlu etkilere sahip olduğunu ortaya koymuştur. Ayrıca, toplanan veriler ışında kültürel kimlik ve özsaygının desteklenmesi, çevre kalitesinin artırılması ve yaşam kalitesinin yükseltilmesine yönelik yeni perspektifler gibi temel turizm gelişim uyarıcıları tespit edilmiştir.

vi

geliştirilmesi kapsamında sakinler olmazsa olmaz paydaşlar olarak tanımlanmaktadır. Bu nedenle, sürdürülebilir turizm gelişiminde yerel sakinlerin önemli paydaşlar olduğunun görülmesi ve vurgulanması beklenmektedir. Sürdürülebilirlik konusu son yıllarda pek çok araştırmacının dikkatini çekmiş ancak bu araştırmalar gelişmekte olan ülkelerden ziyade çoğunlukla gelişmiş ülkeler temel alınarak irdelenmiştir. Bu nedenle, bu tez Kırgızistan'daki uzmanların ve uygulayıcıların sürdürülebilirlik kavramına dair farkındalıklarını da incelemeye çalışmıştır. Sonuçlar, özellikle hükumet yetkilileri ve özel sektör temsilcilerinin sürdürülebilir turizm kavramına ilişkin farkındalıktan yoksun olduklarını ortaya çıkarmıştır. Katılımcıların konuyla ilgili az bir miktarda bilgiye sahip olmalarına rağmen, sürdürülebilirlik kavramı uygulamada görünmez bir yapıdadır.

vii

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

I would like to Thank God for giving me this opportunity of coming to North Cyprus and gaining the knowledge that will help me pursuing my future goals. My sincere gratitude to my supervisor Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali Ӧztüren for your constant support, guidance, patience and contribution in completion of this thesis. I had a long journey to accomplish it and with its challenges along the way it made it even more exciting and fascinating experience.

My special thanks to all our dearest Professors of Tourism Faculty. Thank you for your professionalism, open-mindedness, friendliness and encouragement. I tried to learn how to be positive from Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Araslɪ, the importance of tourism planning from Prof. Dr. Habib Alipour, the logical approach to everything from Assist. Prof. Dr. Mine Haktanɪr and your sense of humor, the significance of research methods from Assist. Prof. Dr. Ilkay Yorgancɪ and thanks for your kindness, Prof. Dr. Osman Karatepe I admire your time management, high efficiency, and Prof. Dr. Turgay Avci, thank you for sharing your knowledge about the World of Service and your energizing motivation and charisma.

Nevertheless, my sincere appreciation to our assistance for always being there for us and your patience with our never ending questions.

viii

My Master degree program couldn‘t be more interesting, diverse and enriched without my colleagues from around the world, thank you for your friendship, sharing your knowledge and experiences. Now we are all future of the Hospitality Industry and wish you the all very best and prosperous career.

I am grateful to the people who helped me in the process of data collection in Kyrgyzstan especially I am indebted to Gulnara Kubatbek kyzy and Nurgazi Toichuev, thank you for making my journey easier. And everybody who was involved in my data collection, academicians, government officials and representatives of the private sectors, thank you all for sharing your knowledge and being responsive and supportive.

ix

DEDICATION

I am dedicating my Thesis to my Mother.

May God Bless your soul.

x

TABLE OF CONTENTS

LIST OF TABLES ... xiii

LIST OF FIGURES ... xiv

1 INTRODUCTION ... 1

1.1 Background of the study ... 1

1.2 Aim of the study ... 2

1.3 Problem Statement ... 3

1.4 Purpose of the Study ... 3

1.5 Research methodology ... 3

1.6 Significance of the study ... 4

1.7 Research questions ... 5

1.8 Content structure ... 6

2 LITERATURE REVIEW... 7

2.1 The concept of sustainability ... 7

2.2 Social Exchange Theory ... 11

2.3 Dimensions of Sustainable Tourism ... 15

2.3.1 The Economic Dimension of Tourism... 15

xi

2.3.1.2 Negative Economic Impacts of Tourism ... 17

2.3.2 The Socio-cultural Dimension of Tourism ... 19

2.3.2.1 Positive Socio-cultural Impacts of Tourism ... 19

2.3.2.2 Negative Socio-Cultural Impacts of Tourism ... 20

2.3.3 The Environmental Dimension of Tourism ... 23

2.3.3.1 Positive Environmental Impacts of Tourism ... 23

2.3.3.2 Negative environmental tourism impacts of tourism ... 25

2.4 Sustainable Tourism Management ... 27

2.4.1 Sustainable tourism ... 27

2.4.2 Key principles of Sustainable Tourism ... 30

2.4.3 Implementation of Sustainable Tourism ... 33

2.5 Tourism in Kyrgyzstan ... 36

2.5.1 Geography ... 36

2.5.2 Economy ... 38

2.5.3 Brief Description of the Tourism Industry in Kyrgyzstan ... 39

3 METHODOLOGY ... 41

3.1 Research methodology ... 41

3.2 Data Collection and Data Analysis ... 43

4 FINDINGS ... 46

4.1 Findings about Economic Impacts of Tourism ... 48

4.2 Findings about Socio-Cultural Impacts of Tourism ... 49

4.3 Findings about Environmental Impacts of Tourism ... 51

xii

5 CONCLUSION and RECOMMENDATIONS ... 59

REFERENCES ... 66

APPENDICES ... 79

xiii

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1: Tourism GDP in Kyrgyzstan ... 38

Table 2: Economic Effects of Tourism in Kyrgyzstan... 48

Table 3: Socio-cultural Effects of Tourism in Kyrgyzstan ... 49

xiv

LIST OF FIGURES

1

Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Tourism Industry is one of the rapid growing industries in the world; international tourist arrivals grew by 3.9% in 2016 and reached 1,235 million according to UNWTO World Tourism Barometer (UNWTO, 2017). Therefore, it is apparent that tourists are willing to explore more and visit undiscovered places. Moreover, it has a great effect on the economy of Third World countries economy which is newly opening their doors for the international tourists.

Tourism is extensively apparent as a potential economic contribution, providing components of the better life and improved quality of life known as job vacancies, tax, economic opportunities, carnivals, eating places, natural and traditional attractions, and outdoor activity opportunities (Ap and Crompton 1993, McCool and Martin 1994 cited in Andereck et al., 2005).

2

Conceivably none of the other activities has grown last decade with the same speed and globalization as tourism. Such growth has encouraged, inspired and increased the interest among academicians, policy-makers, experts and other stakeholders in the tourism industry. These concerns must show how to shape and function the tourism industry in the next coming decades. Not only emphasizing the issues on impacts of tourism but what actions need to be used in order to overcome all the negative aspects of the impacts as well as the most essentially how to develop sustainably in order to preserve our valuable resource.

Kyrgyzstan is a new country and tourism industry is developing in an evolutionary way. On this note the researcher attempts to identify the views of the key players in the tourism industry setting emphasizes on the economic, socio-cultural and environmental dimensions of sustainable tourism and awareness of sustainability concept.

1.2 Aim of the Study

 To investigate the negative and positive economic, socio-cultural and environmental impacts of tourism in Kyrgyzstan

3

1.3 Problem Statement

Nowadays, as the world is becoming more economically stable and the tourism industry is developing rapidly whether it is a business trip, leisure holidays or education travels. Kyrgyzstan is one of the Central Asian countries with picturesque landscapes attracting and hosting more and more tourists every year. As this country opening its doors to the guests it needs to be aware of the concept of sustainable development of tourism and economic, environmental, socio-cultural negative and positive impacts. The lack of related knowledge approaches, sustainable principles and short-time oriented tourism development may lead to a fundamental loss of biodiversity, environmental degradation and social–cultural misbalances. Sustainable tourism development studies mostly oriented in developed countries, rather than developing countries.

1.4 Purpose of the Study

The purpose of the study is to explore the tourism experts‘ and practitioners‘ perceptions of economic, socio-cultural and environmental impacts of tourism development in Kyrgyzstan. The majority of the studies made previously identified these impacts have two outcomes: positive or negative (Garcia, Vazquez, and Macias 2014). Furthermore, this study attempts to explore the awareness of sustainability concept from government officials, academicians, and the private sector.

1.5 Research Methodology

4

encourages the research by this methodology. Nevertheless, qualitative methods are used fewer in this type of research (Horn and Simmons, 2002; Lepp, 2007).

As qualitative research aims to investigate people‘s thoughts, experiences, feelings entailing open-ended research questions. The semi-structured interviews were conducted which allowed viewing discernment of the interviewee's opinions in these arising topics. Once the relevant information gathered the ideas, and perceptions were analyzed.

Tucker, McCoy, Evans (1990) argue that a qualitative method provides flexibility, adaptiveness, profundity, and practicality and has a validity that quantitative method may not offer.

1.6 Significance of the Study

5

Among them, Kyrgyzstan lies on Silk Road Route and offers its beautiful and pure nature, enriched with the ancient traditions and culture.

Despite the fact that Kyrgyzstan is a new country and on the process of developing approaches and marketing in order to attract tourists more not only seasonally but all year-round. However, is it the only beneficial side seen and/or the negative sides are also taken into consideration? Therefore, this study explores and analyses experts‘ and practitioners‘ perceptions of the economic, socio-cultural and environmental impacts. Additionally, exploring the experts‘ and practitioners‘ awareness of the sustainability concept. These themes and approaches play a fundamental role in developing the tourism industry. If not implemented accurately or concerned enough it could damage the whole tourism system colossally leaving behind a chaotic scenario. Therefore, this study would be very beneficial in terms of providing in-depth information about the negative and positive aspects of three dimensions of sustainable tourism. The provided information could be implemented by academicians, government officials, private sectors, local community and non-governmental organizations.

1.7 Research questions

In order to achieve the aims and objectives, the study analyses the perceptions of the authorities in tourism industry obtaining through non-probability convenient sampling. This research attempts to answer the following questions:

6

2. How can current tourism development encourage the main impacts in Kyrgyzstan?

1.8 Content Structure

This thesis contains five chapters. The first chapter identifies and explores the background of the study and importance of the research, problem statement, aims, and objectives and research questions.

7

Chapter

2

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 The concept of sustainability

The concept of sustainability development have been drawing the attention of many types of research and raised many discussions of all the areas of economic, socio-cultural and environmental consequences. Moving forward, the sustainability conception and the topics related regarding environment widely spread among the non-governmental, private sectors, public organizations and educational institutions.

The concept became a main part of the understanding the future of our planet. Giving an essence of the responsibility for actions taken towards environment and obligation that tomorrow‘s future is in our hands, inhabitants of living generations now. As consequences will appear of how the natural and the cultural heritage had been conserved and preserved for the future.

8

The word Eco becoming very trendy and it is a successful way of introducing the importance of the environment and inviting to be part of it doing daily choices which might do a big difference to the Planet.

The publication of the report entitled Our Common Future by the Brundtland Commission in 1987 recognized that continual economic development with a deteriorating resource base was not realistic. The Commission developed the concept of sustainable development, which is defined as ―as development that meets the needs of the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs‖. In their report, the Commission emphasized that the overriding priority of the concept is to ensure ecological sustainability while addressing poverty in any society and in the world as a whole. The rationale for sustainable development is to raise the standard of living of the least advantage in society, while at the same time avoiding any destruction of the environment which might impact on future generations‘ ability to meet their needs‖( Stanhope, 2000,p 149).

9

applicable to all countries despite their stage of development or level of socio-cultural, political, technological conditions.

It would also be appropriate to add that sustainability progresses through carefully thought and by effective planning capturing all the areas and furthermore, it cannot exclude the fact that the residents must be involved alongside this process by educating, training and providing the information about sustainability. In the long run, the preservation of the services and products are in the interest of the residents as it provides them a living.

Steward and Kuska (2010) suggested that sustainability contains five domains which promote the system of correlation between human beings and the natural environment. Identifying the well-defined characteristics within the five domain of sustainability: environmental, socio-cultural, technology, economy and public policy.

10

Below mentioned seventeen recommendations are made by United Nations Department of Economics and Social Affairs in 2015 to reach the sustainability and to seek the balance between resource conservation and development.

Sustainable development goals are:

1. No poverty - To end poverty with its all forms.

2. Zero hunger -End hunger to accomplish food assurance and improved nutrition and advert sustainable agriculture.

3. Good health and well-being- Ensure healthy lifestyle and contribute well-being for all at all ages.

4. Quality Education- Ensure comprising and equitable quality education and support education potential for everybody.

5. Gender Equality- To reach gender equal of rights and authorize all women and girl.

6. Clean water and sanitation- To make sure accessibility and sustainable management of water and hygienic for everybody.

7. Affordable and clean energy- Ensure approach to reasonable, secure, sustainable and contemporary energy for everybody.

8. Decent work and economic growth- Contribute stable inclusive and sustainable economic increase, absolute and efficient employment and fair work for everybody.

9. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure- Build flexible infrastructure, encourage inclusive and sustainable industrialization and stimulate innovatively.

10. Reduced inequalities- Decrease equality within and among districts

11

12. Responsible consumption and production –To make sure sustainable utilization and manufacturing structure.

13. Climate action- To take immediate action to fight climate change and its impacts.

14. Life below water- To preserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine recourses for sustainable development.

15. Life and land- Guard, recover and facilitate sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably operate forests, fight desertification, and stop land degradation and stop biodiversity damage

16. Peace, justice, and strong institution- To foster peaceful and inclusive communities for sustainable development, supply access to justice for everybody and create an efficient reliable and inclusive establishments at all levels

17. Partnership for the goals- To reinforce the method of accomplishment and reinvigorate the worldwide cooperation sustainable development (UN Department of Economics and Social Affairs,2015 ).

Analyzing and managing the process of tourism development without considering the perspectives of the stakeholders will probably produce inadequate or defective results. In this context, scientific studies need theoretical frameworks. One of the very well-known and credited theories for this purpose is the social exchange theory.

2.2 Social Exchange Theory

12

13

sooner or later the role of the community will play a great role in developing tourism development. Moreover, Steward and Kuska (2010) identified the five domains of sustainability where the community involvement and the sustainable community is the core of the other aspects such economic, socio-cultural, environmental, technology and public policy. It promotes a correlation and demonstrates the interdependence from one another in order to achieve a sustainable development. Furthermore, the sustainability distinguishes the significance of the residents in the tourism industry as stakeholders. Some scholars (Boley, McGehee, Perdue and Long, 2014; Harril 2004) argue that residents are the main stakeholders and it is vital to empower them in tourism planning and developing processes in order to support and regulate the impacts of tourism at the destination. And yet again empowering residents can be challenging and can give a variety of explanations.

14

and it is required to represent the opinions of all groups (government officials, tourism private sectors, residents). On the other hand, if residents consider that tourism entails more costs than benefits, it is more likely that residents may disapprove tourism development (Dyer et al., 2007).Therefore, to achieve sustainable tourism development is a challenging task and without a doubt, all the relevant stakeholders need to take participation and a substantial amount of information needs to be provided to the community in order to achieve a consensus. In this context, in order to achieve the sustainable tourism development in Kyrgyzstan, it is important to recognize the importance of the local residents and distinguish them as main stakeholders. As studies show that without the residents‘ participation, awareness and being not recognized in the planning process could bring unfavorable experiences and conflicts. Moreover, the dimensions of the tourism development as discussed earlier cannot grow or develop without residents‘ participation. As this study explores the perceptions of environmental, socio-cultural and economic impacts of tourism development without a doubt the residents are involved and discussed during the research.

15

2.3 Dimensions of Sustainable Tourism

2.3.1 The Economic Dimension of Tourism

2.3.1.1 Positive Economic Impacts of Tourism

Tourism industry predominantly recognized for bringing economic benefits to the countries revenue generation.

16

of living, reduces poverty alleviation, improves the economy of the locals and generates business, employment opportunities and strengthen the community involvement towards tourism development.

According to earlier literature and the results given by a researcher, for instance, Gursoy et al. (2004) the economic impact has a positive effect on tourism development in terms of employment opportunities, investment opportunities and enhancing the chances of local residents to be able to have their own local businesses and generate revenues for the local governments. Moreover, in relation to positive economic impact, it is necessary to emphasize that earnings from tourism industry have a great contribution to employment generation, contribution to government profits and as well as a recreation of regional development.

Tourism entails positive economic impacts on the income level of local people and improves the standard of living; it increases the employment opportunities.

17

segments that provide goods and services to tourism sector (Weaver and Lawton 2002) which generally has a positive effect on the economy of local people, their living conditions and financial independence.

2.3.1.2 Negative Economic Impacts of Tourism

18

Seasonality of the tourism may also have a great impact on the economy as mentioned above. For instance, with the good seasonal period, supply and demand will increase generating cash flow into the economy at the same time the high seasonal period or simply at the period of global economic crises when not many tourists are traveling will demonstrate completely opposite picture to the economy. Consequently, seasonality or the economic stability around the world also plays a significant role in touristic places and attractions.

De Oliviera (2003) identified that damage of the traditional industries, low paid and unskilled jobs, increases the local prices, and increases the status of the locals, less advantage to control local economy.

In the perspective that employment in tourism industry generates economic flows directly or indirectly. Mentioning the negative side of it, wages in the tourism sector known as the lowest paid comparing to other industries. Bull (Weaver and Lawton 2002:263) characterizes is it as follow:

 High rate of employees leaving the workplace

 The weak position of trade unions and cooperative trading

 The inclination of many employers to defy lowest wage protocols

 The inexperienced characteristics of majority tourism jobs

19

Negative effects could also be considered as following:

 Inflation – can increase prices on housing, groceries, lands etc.

 Opportunity costs – refers to the cost of involving in tourism than another form of tourism activity.

 Over-dependency on tourism- utterly become dependent on tourism development and not being able to develop other industries, any change can bring to major economic crises (Mason 2008, p 46).

2.3.2 The Socio-cultural Dimension of Tourism

2.3.2.1 Positive Socio-cultural Impacts of Tourism

Comprehension of the sociocultural impacts of tourism on local communities are tremendously important and needs to be taken into consideration of government at all levels in order to keep balance and avoid any kind of a conflict between tourists and communities and tourism development. Bearing in mind that residents‘ are in the central attention of any tourism destination and play a great part of the ―tourism product‖ (Deery et al.,2012) most certainly their perception and behavioral intentions have a massive influence on the success or else in the process of creating a destination image. It is subject that any kind of impacts would be reflected by positive or negative side. Krippendorf (as cited in Brunt and Courtney, 1999) argues that social perceptions are more substantial and that they have to be studied predominantly.

20

values, and customs and social life either positively or negatively. The socio-cultural interaction between residents and the tourists may bring and introduce something that would be new for the locals and lead to more opportunities and exchange in terms of learning new skills, new sociocultural aspects. Nevertheless, there have been contradictories between studies done on sociocultural impacts; despite that, some studies indicate that it could bring positive influence towards the attitude of the local residents. Research studies (Andereck and Nyaupane, 2011; Yoon et al., 2001, Andereck 2005) have identified that it creates recreational opportunities, enhances cultural activities, increases the interest in saving and sustaining the historical and archaeological areas as well as boosts the cultural identity and cultural values. In general, it improves the quality of life of the locals and provides with new opportunities and experiences by exchanging the cultural values with the tourists. Moreover, tourism development provides new job opportunities for the locals and because of the variety of the job descriptions females are offered workplaces which will break the division of gender separation (Crompton and Sanderson, 1990)

in the tourism industry.

Some researchers suggest that sociocultural developments deliver positive impacts, generates opportunities such new shopping malls, recreation, overall improvement on local services by accomplishing road works and other municipal facilities (Gursoy et al., 2002). Adding a further point on positive impacts Besculides et al.,(2002) defines that tourism constructs requests of local crafts, the growth of the cultural identity and values, unity, interchange of concepts, better understanding about the beliefs of the region.

21

Negative socio-cultural impacts could be absolutely another way around comparing to the positive impacts. Such as creating instability in the daily lives of the residents, insecurity, generate unpleasant feelings and stress as well as the degradation of the cultural values, beliefs and social authenticity (Garcia et al., 2015). Moreover, despite the economic benefits where most of the hosts‘ community takes an advantage of it, especially if the community depends on seasonal tourism negative social impacts may put aside or may not be taken much into consideration. Moving along with the further point Dogan (1989) debates that tourist from industrialized countries has a negative sociocultural influence on the community in developing countries such as deterioration in local customs, values, growths of the crime rate, overpopulation, environmental degradation, become reliant on tourists and societal clashes. Abovementioned negative impacts could cause a great damage on the overall society atmosphere and locals unwillingness towards tourism development. Tourists tend to enjoy their holidays and stay long nights out and as the result of overconsumption of alcohol violent acts, crime rates rise as well as the disturbing noise level. It is known that touristic leisure zones equipped with different type of entertainment facilities with the loud amplifiers which could also increase the negative impact on locals. Sociocultural impacts are complex and change the lives of the residents‘ who inhabit in the touristic destinations and the daily routine of the locals interact with the touristic activities. As a result, all parties will be involved and influenced either positive or negative side of the sociocultural impact.

22

local landowners and outside foreign investors on the subject of tourism development (Yang et al., 2013), among indigenous communities and non-native business people about economical beneficial side of tourism industry (Yang et al., 2013) and the conflicts among local residents and visitors over restricted resources (Yang et al., 2013). Moreover, Robinson (as cited in Yang et al., 2013) offers four measurements where cultural queries happen: tourism business-host conflicts, tourist-host conflicts, tourism-tourist conflicts and host- host conflict. The factors which impact the disagreements between tourism business and local residents are: 1) Environment and the level of the marketability of the local culture; 2) consumption of the resources as well as the use of the cultural resources; 3) the grade of the economic dependence of the local community on tourism industry (Yang et al., 2013).

23

consuming alcohol, gambling (Lee and Back, 2006) nightlife activities and with the growing demand of these activities, the abovementioned activities increase alongside with prostitution (Park and Stokowski,2009) and drug trafficking. Consequently, it will lead to social instability, conflicts among the locals and family life queries, an imbalance in the relationships and weakening the family values.

2.3.3 The Environmental Dimension of Tourism

2.3.3.1 Positive Environmental Impacts of Tourism

Although tourism is thought to be a green industry most of the time, in reality, this is not the continuous situation. It can damage substantial environmental damage because it is frequently developed in beautiful but delicate surroundings. Also, there is the probability that local progress policy becomes concentrated on meeting the requirements of tourists, frequently lacking concern for the surroundings. This can be harmful to delicate regions where tourism often flourishes. Eventually, the industry has the impending to unconsciously weaken itself by being unresponsive to the environmental impacts it is affecting (Doggart and Doggart 1996).

24

According to Swarbrooke (1999), five aspects were identified by giving aspects that are integrated among each other such: The natural surroundings, flora and fauna, the cultivated environment, the constructed environment, natural resources. Clearly, the dimension of the environment concept is immense and certainly one way another development of tourism industry will integrate and approach either negatively or positively. The matter of fact is that as Mason (2008) signifies the relation to environmental impacts as mentioned below:

 The ―where‖ fact is imperative as some environments can be more sensitive to tourism impacts than the others

 The diversity of the tourism activity

 The tourism infrastructure also plays a vital part

 When the tourism activity happens, especially any seasonal difference.

25

differed that tourism is the reason of traffic congestions, overloaded open-air areas, or the disturbance of peacetime and restfulness of parks. Additional studies have also established positive attitudes toward the environmental impacts such as better-quality public appearance (Andereck et al., 2011; Nunkoo et al., 2012), and more leisure and park openings (Kim et al., 2013; Garcia et al., 2015).

2.3.3.2 Negative environmental tourism impacts of tourism

Tourism industry can be a reason of protecting and preserve the natural resources or at the same time, it can cause considerable damage to the environment (Garcia et al., 2015).Moreover, D. Easterling (2005) points out that firstly tourism thought to be as a ―clean‖ industry comparing with for example manufacturing industry. Nevertheless, environmental impacts of tourism have caught attentions of many researchers and many subjects of studies have been related to environmental issues. According to Easterling (2005) majority of the tourist destinations are in a great danger by being a popular destination that could bring to over crowdedness and go beyond their carrying capacity damage. Hunter and Green (as cited in Easterling 2005) have indicated the several numbers of vital negative environmental impacts caused by tourism development.

 Pollution (increased amount of wastewater)

 Land erosion

 Reduction of water resources; the need to generate increased amounts of energy

 The disturbance of wildlife habitats and the decrease of vegetation.

26

sides of environmental concerns that are affected by the tourism industry. Nevertheless, tourism industry tightly related to the environment. And according to Dwyer and Kim (2003) tourist destination and its attractiveness and setting a good image would depend on the natural environment and its climate conditions.

Tourism developments usually constructed nearby attracting and picturesque areas of the environment in order to tourists can have easy access to the entertainment zones and to have an experience of the surrounded nature. On the other side, it could lead to undesirable landscape views as sometimes without a proper planning or management of the buildings in the area could impact with a great damage on the environment as well as the natural view. Dwyer et al. (2009) identify the main trends of the environmental impacts: climate change, natural resource depletion, and biodiversity. Moving along with the negative impacts, the one aspect which appeared in many studies as an inhabitant‘ anxiety is the impact of tourism on traffic jams (Brunt and Courtney 1999; Yoon et al., 2001). And other alleged concern include littering (McGhee and Andereck, 2004, Andereck et al., 2005), wreckage (Haralambopoulos and Pizam, 1996), overloading at open-air recreation amenities (Andereck et al., 2005, Bestard and Nadal, 2007), pedestrian jamming (Brunt and Courtney, 1999); and car parks difficulties (Sheldon and Abenoja, 2001). Additionally, tourism recognized as that causes pollution (Yoon et al., 2001).

27

tourism industry despite the fact of being aware of disadvantages it could cause to the environment (Garcia et al., 2015). The probable environmental concerns distinguished by Andereck (as cited in Andereck et al., 2005) are greenhouse gasses such releases from transportation vehicles and aircraft; water contamination such as waste water discharge, motorway oil; flora and fauna demolition such as a consequence of hunting, deceiving and go fishing, and disturbance of natural habitation; plant demolition and deforestation; over gathering of specimens, and woodland fires, and damage to marshlands, soil and seashores. Andereck (as cited in Andereck et al., 2005) also refers to the ecological concerns that interrupt human being such; big constructions which destroy sights, conflicting and inappropriate architectural constructions, noise, pollution from airplanes, cars, and travelers; harm to ecological formations such as destruction and vandalism.

2.4 Sustainable Tourism Management

2.4.1 Sustainable tourism

Sustainable tourism described as ―Tourism that entirely contemplates its present and future economic, social and environmental impacts, thoughtful over the necessities of tourists, the business, the surroundings and the host population‖ (UNWTO, 2005). Sustainable tourism development takes attention of many researchers, planners, policymakers and academicians for the past 25 years (Bramwell et al., 2017).

28

benefit of the tourism development takes over the environment impacts or the issues related to socio-cultural impacts in favor of economic growth, stability and the quality of life. Consequently directing to the unsustainable and unstable development of the tourism industry. Mainly depending on the political approach chosen by the government. Developing countries mostly see the economic benefits and the environmental impacts put aside and if not cautioned or provide with necessary information and knowledge, the collapse of tourism industry would unavoidable. Thus, according to UNWTO sustainable tourism should be:

1. To use the natural recourses which are the essential element in tourism development, conserving vigorous natural procedures and supporting to reserve natural inheritance and biodiversity.

2. Appreciate the socio-cultural authenticity of host populations; guard their existing habitats, values, traditions and customs. And facilitate and support in inner cultural challenges and to contribute understanding more and be open-minded.

29

Johannesburg, South Africa, describes it as tourism and combination of structures related to present and the future as described below.

 Function within the carrying capacity of the natural resources for the renewal and future output of natural recourses.

 To be familiar with the contribution made by host communities, societies non- governmental groups into tourism practices.

 Acknowledge that all these inhabitants have a reasonable share in the economic proceeds of tourism, led by the appeal of the indigenous citizens and societies in the sightseeing host regions.

30

experience as well as gaining knowledge about sustainability challenges and support or actively encourage the sustainability tourism practice to others (UNWTO, 2005). Nevertheless, Liu (2003) argues whether sustainability has been measured accurately, forwarding questions as how much is too much of sustainability and what are the levels of sustainability in tourism development? What are the ways of measuring these levels? According to McCool et al., (2001) there has been many discussions on sustainable tourism and yet there are still disagreements over suitable indicators of sustainability and what needs to be sustained. ―Ultimately, impacts cannot be avoided, but they can be managed based on established objectives or an understanding of the biophysical or social conditions desired.‖ (McCool and Lima 2001:381). Thus, sustainable tourism development needs to find a balance between all the aspects of economic, socio-cultural and environmental impacts. However, Shapley (2014) argues that there is no existing witnessed confirmation that sustainable tourism is an attainable objective, and simultaneously, some of the principles of sustainable tourism are effective, they play a huge role in representing courtesy towards tourism impacts and global character of the tourism industry. The scope of sustainable tourism is undoubtedly broad and comprises many elements of tourism system such: conservation of natural environment, pollution, resource use, wildlife, host community, public sector, and tourists. Hence, achieving a sustainable development tends to be demanding in practice rather described theoretically.

2.4.2 Key principles of Sustainable Tourism

31

improvement. Principles are valuable to distinguish the concerns associated with the procedure of accomplishing sustainable tourism development.

Main three principles of sustainable development such as following:

 Social and Cultural Sustainability- to make sure to preserve cultural identity and values, improved developments can empower inhabitants to take control over the style and quality of their lives, sustains and supports not to lose community recognition and identity.

 Economic Sustainability- to make sure that economic development is effective and capitals are well-organised in order to support the growing generation.

 Ecological and Environmental Sustainability- to make sure that development is congruent with conservation of the ecology, living organisms and long-term administration of resources (Lavery, as cited in Altinay et al., 2007).

32

The World Tourism Organisations‘ formulation of sustainable tourism development identifies six main principles:

1. High level of tourist satisfaction

2. Optimal use of environmental resources

3. Respecting the socio-cultural authenticity of host communities 4. Providing socio-economic benefits to all stakeholders,

5. Constant monitoring of impacts

6. Informed participation of all relevant stakeholders, as well as strong political leadership (UNWTO, 2013).

33

Stakeholder participation is one of the key principles of sustainable tourism. Moreover, sustainable tourism development encompasses the principles that are also not less important the stakeholders‘ participation such as:

 Protection of cultural heritage - Maintains and promotes natural, social and cultural diversity

 Promotes appropriate activities

 Enhances and maintains heritage and natural resources

 Recognition of culture and identity of locals

These principles provide a direction, or guidance for some other possible elements of sustainable development, such as sustainable tourism, or ecotourism (Wight 2002).

2.4.3 Implementation of Sustainable Tourism

Sustainable tourism development promotes partnership, cooperation, and integration among all the key actors. One of the main key actors can be identified as government. In the process of implementation of sustainable tourism, the government should undertake the inquiry of environmental, socio-cultural, economic impacts and assess the outcomes on entire ecosystem and society. Nonetheless, different tools, indicators, and mechanism have been generated by international development organizations. One of the tools known as ―Environment quality

assessment‖ of the tourism environment using a quantitative way and increasing the

34 Environmental quality assessment indicators.

1. Tourism Landscape and resources - degree of perceived scenic beauty, the degree of uniqueness, the degree of integrity, diversity of resources, scientific value, cultural, artistic value, compatibility with the natural environment.

2. Natural environment- Air quality, water quality, temperature, precipitation, Flora, Fauna, sanitation.

3. Infrastructure environment – Transportation, food and lodging, water and electricity, safety infrastructure, recreation, shopping, medical facilities, public security, fire fighting, rational price, service attitude, service efficiency, interpretation.

4. Social environment- service quality (i.e., attitude, codes of conduct, efficiency), tourism policy, tour guide qualification, local residents attitudes.

5. Tourism Information environment - Network condition, promotion performance, tourism destination image ( Zhang et al., 2011; Chen 2006; Wang and Zhu, 2006 as cited in Zong et al., 2011, p.2979).

35

Some of the outcomes of non-governmental organizations role and guidance related to environmental issues are as mentioned below:

 Make tourism and conservation compatible

 Support the preservation of wilderness and biodiversity

 Use natural resources in a sustainable way

 Minimize consumption, waste, and pollution

 Respect local cultures

 Respect historic and scientific sites

 Communities should benefit from tourism

 Trained staff is the way to responsible tourism

 Tourism should be educational. Follow safety rules (Mason, 2005, p 186).

To develop a sustainable tourism is a complex and challenging procedure.

The entire stakeholder needs to be taken into consideration and work in a holistic way approach. Six main key stakeholders identified by Swarbrooke (1999) with a great interest in sustainable tourism such as:

 Governmental organizations – including well-known organizations such European Union, national authorities, local and regional councils.

 The tourism industry- all the tangible services, tour and transport operators, visitor attractions etc.

 Voluntary Sector organizations - includes mainly non-governmental organizations in some developing countries and charity organizations in developed countries.

36

 The media- covers both news related to travel media or non-travel media.

 The tourist – encompasses the mass tourism and ecotourism.

With such a broad and complex network of stakeholders, it is not always possible to reach an agreement among all of them. However, sustainable tourism management requires incorporating and implementing with these stakeholders in order to achieve sustainability in this industry. Moving forward, the role of the tourism industry in the sense of achieving sustainability should consider a holistic approach. It needs to direct and achieve protection of biodiversity, preserve natural resources, implementing energy efficient practices, promoting the green marketing, alleviate destructions towards environmental related issues. Introducing new trends and lifestyle to the public if there is a willingness to become more sustainable (Miller et al., 2010). Thus, it can be achieved by running a different type of campaigns, roundtables, seminars, and actions for the locals, as it mentioned above national and local councils should inform and encourage their locals for their participation. Providing with information about the importance, challenges, and opportunities it may entail. Consequently, residents would be more attracted and involved in the creation of the tourism destination; in fact the destination where they belong. It will have a direct impact on the quality of life and this type of approach would be far more successful and sustainable rather than ignorance of the residents‘ participation.

2.5 Tourism in Kyrgyzstan

2.5.1 Geography

37

of the country is mountainous. The highest peaks are Victory Peak – 7439 m, Lenin Peak – 7134 m and Khan-Tengri - 6995m. Kyrgyzstan is also blessed with lakes and rivers totaling the water surface cover with 6836 sq.km. The main river is Naryn River and the largest lake is Issyk-Kul Lake, which is known for being best destination in the summer time as well as attracting tourists in winter time with its Ski Resorts. There are other lakes are Son-Kul, Chatyr-Kul, Sary- Chelek which are getting tourists‘ interest to visit the picturesque views and being surrounded by almost untouched pure and breath-taking nature. Bishkek- is the capital of Kyrgyz Republic, its diverse and green city. The second big city is Osh located in the west part of the country, known for its cultural diversity, traditions etc. Kyrgyzstan consists of seven oblasts (regions) - Chui, Issyk-kul, Naryn, Talas, Batken, Jalal-Abad and Osh. The climate is continental and summer periods are hot reaching up to +40˚ C and winter times up to -14C in the cities and mountain areas can get an average of -30C. Kyrgyz is the state language and Russian is the official language. Currency in Kyrgyzstan is – Soms.

Figure 1: The map of Kyrgyzstan

38

2.5.2 Economy

The economy of Kyrgyzstan was severely damaged by the collapse of Soviet Union in 1991 by losing a large export to Former Soviet Union Countries. Leaving the nation‘s economic condition in the devastating stage; factories closed, farms and agriculture industry collapsed leaving the nation in great depression. Since then Kyrgyzstan recovered and rebuilt the economic stability.

This table below shows that GDP is improving and for the year of 2016 the export of touristic service summed up at 312 million USD Dollars and import of touristic services totaled 316 million USD Dollars (http://www.stat.kg/ru/statistics/turizm/).

Table 1 Tourism GDP in Kyrgyzstan

Items 2012 2013 2014

The gross added value in the field of tourism (million. soms)

14205.5 16169 18904.9

The share of tourism in GDP (percentage)

4.6 4.6 4.8

Fixed capital investments in tourism (million. soms)

8040 8771.7 10635.3

Source: http://www.stat.kg/en/statistics/turizm/

39

investors known as Kumtor Gold Mine is actively stimulated by the government and making a huge economic contribution to the country. Moreover, as Kyrgyzstan have a lot of water resources and maintains territory allows producing sufficient amount of hydroelectric energy for export. The main exports also include nonferrous metals, minerals, woolen products, engineering goods and agriculture products building trade partnership with countries such Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, China and Germany (Wikipedia).

2.5.3 Brief Description of the Tourism Industry in Kyrgyzstan

Over the past decades, the tourism industry in Kyrgyzstan is growing interest among the tourists in Europe and Post-Soviet Union countries. Issyk-Kul Lake is known for one of the most visited destinations, especially along the North shore. Accordingly, many hotels, vacation resorts and summer camps for children are located in the north part of the lake. For those, who are interested in tracking and camping, can be offered national parks, central or southern part of the Kyrgyzstan. For the tourist that plans for a short period of time, can enjoy the trekking in the National Park close to the capital ―Ala-Archa‖ and enjoy the picturesque nature and fresh air and peace from the noise of the city.

Kyrgyzstan can offer many types of tourism activities such:

 Resort and recreational tourism

 Mountain skiing tourism

 Mountain –climbing and adventure tourism

 Eco-tourism

 Historical- cultural tourism

40

Recent years skiing tourism is becoming very much popular and many skiing resorts have been located not far from the capital.

Kyrgyzstan is unique with its natural beauty and in order to preserve the wonderful natural landscape, flora and fauna it created ten strict nature reserves, nine national parks, and one Biosphere territory.

Tourism industry directly created 31,000 jobs in 2014 which represents nearly 4 % of total employment (World Tourism and Travel Council, 2015). According to the government statistics tour agency services summed as 1265,7 thousand, sanatorium activity services as 520,9 thousand, hotel and tourist accommodation, as well as other lodgings for short-term accommodations 2303,6 thousand places offering job opportunities and it is expanding as tourism industry becoming popular and as long it‘s in demand and politically stable.

41

Chapter 3

METHODOLOGY

3.1 Research methodology

The qualitative method utilized for this research applying semi-structured interviews.

42

not provide with a wide explanation of perceptions and attitudes. Another advantage of the Qualitative research is that having a capability to provide rich and explanatory material. Qualitative research examines a small number of occurred issues with paying great attention to it while quantitative research covers a large number of respondents or observations with less depth research (Weaver and Lawton, 2002, p 406-407). Moreover, Crouch and McKenzie (2006) describe the qualitative research studies the dynamic qualities of a situation rather than its components and the balanced relationships among them. The advantage of the semi-structured interviews is that it is adaptable and flexible. Data can be collected over the phone or any other communication channels, which can be provided in our technologically developed era if the respondent or the group of respondents are on the different side of the world. Moreover, semi-structured interviews give an opportunity to respondents to be more open, feel less tension and answer the questions more genuine way and interact with the interviewer if any questions occur there and then whereas quantitative research is more fixed and at times given the limited option of answers which can entail non-accurate outcome of the research. Therefore, qualitative data collection was chosen to be the most appropriate for this research.

Non-probability convenience sampling was used for the selection of the interviewees.

Non –probability sampling consists of several group sampling techniques such:

 Quota sampling

 Convenience sampling

 Purposive sampling

43

 Snowball sampling

The main advantage of the non-probability sampling techniques is that samples are chosen according to subjective judgment than a random selection. In order to complete this research non-probability convenience sampling method was implemented (Aaker et al., as cited in Altinay et al., 2005). This method is known for being a most practical way to collect primary data (Altinay et al.,2005). Convenience sampling relatively time-saving, less costly and gives the researcher to achieve the sample size needed in short period of time comparing to other research samples.

3.2 Data Collection and Data Analysis

In qualitative research a small sample size can be questioned, however, Patton (2002) points out that, sampling has to be considered according to the purpose and the background of the study and not on the rationality, aim and suggested a sample size of probability sampling. Nevertheless, according to Bertaux (1981, p.35) fifteen is the smallest acceptable sample (adapted from Guest et al., 2006) in qualitative research the term ‗‗small sample size” have been known for using in the discussions as an expression to indicate the small number of respondents (often less than 20) (Crouch and McKenzie, 2006).

44

45

46

Chapter 4

FINDINGS

The research findings gave interesting outcomes over the perceptions of the tourism development in Kyrgyzstan. The dimensions of the sustainable tourism: economic, socio-cultural and environmental impacts gave a broad view of the experts‘ and practitioners‘ perception particularly being asked the negative and positive impacts as well as the perception of the sustainability principles and implementation in the tourism industry. In order to provide a better understanding of the results researcher divided into main themes and identified the perceptions as negative and positive. According to the total of research, respondents were all male. Respondents‘ age category was:

 Government officials between 20-44 years old

 Private sector between 20-64

 Academicians between 45-65 years old.

47

However, in comparison with other sectors, the personnel in Department of Tourism appear to be the youngest and work experience less than 5 years.

Overall, the meaning of ―sustainability‖ indicated on the level of knowledge and awareness of the respondents. Those respondents from the academic environment are informed far well about the concept than private sector or the government officials. The view and the knowledge of sustainability concept and the general information given by academicians were much broader because they are involved and participate in such organizations, seminars and in the academic world, they interact with this type of terminology. Academicians‘ point it out that the economic, socio-cultural and economy factors concerns of all stakeholder participation in tourism development. Community involvement identified as one of the important principles. However, private sector respondents seem to be not aware much about the concept and their knowledge is fairly adequate and the ―sustainability‖ approach viewed as the fashionable word and expressed the lack of enthusiasm or perceptiveness of the concept. Governmental official participants‘ demonstrated awareness of the importance of the concept, however, has not been able how to articulate their opinion and mostly relating the meaning to have a balance between economic growth and environmental resources.

48

present disinterest of the concept. According to academicians many types of research has been done and strategies generated, however, most of them could be on the shelves gathering dust, the ideas were not heard, suggestions refused or not applied fully. Some respondents are not concerned about sustainability concept as Kyrgyzstan is a very new country and we do not host that amount of tourists in order to implement this strategy; however it could be beneficial for future generations or if mass tourism would be the concern. Private sector respondents emphasized that tourism should take a holistic and comprehensive approach in order to achieve sustainability which exists as a big gap in the system.

4.1 Findings about Economic Impacts of Tourism

Generally, respondents‘ perception of the economic impact of tourism was positive. Tourism development generates employment opportunities and it additionally illustrates that tourism industry in the source of considerable income for government treasury. Moreover, economic growth facilitates tourism infrastructure, building new hotels, restaurants, cafes, attractions and entertaining zones. Below Table 2 demonstrates the economic effects of tourism in Kyrgyzstan.

Table 2: Economic Effects of Tourism in Kyrgyzstan Economic Effect Positive / Negative

Job generation Positive

Economic growth Positive

Standard of living Positive

Support for infrastructure Positive

Increased prices Negative

49

Seasonal employment Negative

Hence, quality and standard of living increases without a doubt, at the same time the cost of living raises. The cost of living evaluated as the negative side of the economic impact, increasing the prices on real estates, land etc. Moving forward, seasonality of the tourism industry seen as a negative side, for reason being is that temporary work opportunities which generate low wage paid job opportunities and long working hours. Skillful personnel may move to other cities, countries for better-paid salaries and conditions, for sure it indicates the economic instability of the area. Nevertheless, respondents point it out that seasonality of the tourism industry entails to the increase of the costs especially at the peak time of the season.

As local people have a chance to boost their income at the particular time of the year. In the perspective of the local people it may provide them some financial income but in terms of tourist perspectives, it will lead to the negative perception of the destination and unwillingness to pay for some services that are overpriced.

4.2 Findings about Socio-Cultural Impacts of Tourism

Socio-cultural effects are accumulated and demonstrated in Table 3 below. Both negative and positive sides are perceived at current tourism development stage.

Table 3: Socio-cultural Effects of Tourism in Kyrgyzstan Socio –cultural effects Positive/ Negative Increased willingness to understand the different

cultures

Positive Promotes to maintain historic sites and wildlife

habitats

Positive

Demand for local arts and handicrafts Positive

50

New perspectives to explore other cultures Positive Imitation of foreign behaviors and culture Negative

Improves quality of life Positive

Strengthens cultural identity and pride Positive

51

tourists and fourthly, it contributes to the economy of the community. Consequently, the quality of life improves; tourism infrastructure improves, especially in the rural areas as well as the desire to learn more about other countries, traditions and culture and willingness to visit which broaden the perception and understanding of tourism service and ideas to implement. The majority of the respondents were the least worried about the socio-cultural impacts on tourism in Kyrgyzstan, by explaining that the country doesn‘t host the amount of tourist that would damage socio-cultural values of the community. However, they were some cases when young residents try to imitate the behavior of the tourists, change the appearance style or try to speak the visitor‘s language. The amounts of this kind of cases are very rare and the same situation with the increase of crime, drugs, and prostitution.

4.3 Findings about Environmental Impacts of Tourism

Environmental impacts demonstrated below in Table 4 are findings that experts‘ and practitioners‘ concerns of tourism development. Environment and natural recourses are an essential part of the life of human beings and tourism can be one of the reasons to help to protect and conserve the natural resources or if the settings are not balanced it could bring a great damage.

Table 4: Environmental Effects of Tourism in Kyrgyzstan

Environmental Effects Positive/Negative

Increased pollution (air, noise)

Negative

Recreation of parks and community

Positive

Traffic congestion, lack of parking space

Negative

Water pollution, littering, waste water

Negative

Destroys the beauty of the landscape

52 Helps to protect environment and wildlife

Positive

According to respondents, positive environmental impacts can be identified by improved recreational or beautification of the community infrastructures such as local parks, playgrounds and improving the landscape design. The majority of respondents emphasized that some communities learn more about the behavior of caring environment from the tourists, especially littering is the main concern. Visitors are more responsible, respectful, and simply educated in environmental issues. Therefore, it promotes of being more respectful towards nature and activates some campaigns from the government institutions and private sectors. Moving forward, tourism development stimulates to protect wildlife, landscape, and environment. One of the organizations mentioned during the interview was ―The

Snow Leopard Trust ―Kyrgyzstan is the member of this international organization.